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- Mental disorders among children and adolescents increased by 11.8% per year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2021 alone, an estimated 123 million new cases of mental disorders were recorded in young people.
- Anxiety disorders became the leading cause of nonfatal disability in youth, accounting for 12.9 million years lived with disability (YLD).
- Wealthier regions like North America and Western Europe experienced a greater burden of mental health issues among children and teens.
- School closures, family stress, and social isolation were key drivers of the worsening mental health crisis in young people.
Did COVID-19 Make Mental Disorders Worse in Teens?
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, education, and social interactions, leaving many children and adolescents struggling with their mental well-being. A recent study published in Psychological Medicine found that mental disorders among young people (ages 5-24) surged during the pandemic, forcing experts to address the long-term consequences of this global crisis. Understanding these trends is essential to ensuring the next generation receives the support and resources they need.
The Surge in Mental Disorders During the Pandemic
Analyzing mental health data from 204 countries, researchers found that disorders in young people grew at an alarming rate. Between 2020 and 2021, the prevalence of childhood and adolescent mental health conditions increased by 11.8% annually (Liu et al., 2024). This represents a stark contrast to pre-pandemic trends, highlighting the severe impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health.
By 2021, mental disorders accounted for a significant portion of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which measure the overall burden of disease. The data revealed a troubling pattern: mental well-being among young people, already a growing concern, deteriorated rapidly under pandemic conditions.
Leading Mental Disorders That Increased
While various mental disorders saw an increase, anxiety and depression rose at the fastest rates, with severe consequences for academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Anxiety Disorders: The Top Cause of Disability in Youth
Anxiety disorders became the leading cause of nonfatal disability among children and teenagers. The study found that in 2021 alone, anxiety-related conditions accounted for approximately 12.9 million years lived with disability (YLD) (Liu et al., 2024). This is an alarming indication of how deeply anxiety disorders affected young lives.
Symptoms of heightened anxiety in children and teens included
- Persistent worry and fear about health, school, or social situations
- Panic attacks, increased heart rate, and difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed
The pandemic caused uncertainty regarding the future, reinforcing social isolation, academic struggles, and fear of illness—key triggers for anxiety disorders in children and teens.
Depressive Disorders: A Rise in Hopelessness
Depressive disorders became the fourth leading cause of disability among children and adolescents worldwide as feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and low motivation surged. Extended school closures, a loss of structure, and strained family dynamics contributed to rising depression rates among youth.
Symptoms of depression observed during the pandemic included
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
- Disinterest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite, energy levels, or sleeping patterns
The long-term consequences of early-life depression can be severe. Studies suggest that untreated depression in adolescence increases the risk of lifelong mental health struggles and may contribute to substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Demographic Disparities in Mental Health Trends
Certain groups experienced higher risks of developing mental health disorders than others. Researchers found disparities across gender, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Gender Disparities: Higher Mental Health Burden for Girls
Female adolescents were disproportionately affected by mental health disorders, particularly depression. The study suggests that teenage girls faced higher emotional and social stressors, including body image concerns, academic pressure, and social isolation.
Additional factors that contributed to worsening mental health in adolescent girls
- Increased family responsibilities and caregiving roles during the pandemic
- Higher susceptibility to online bullying and social media-related stress
- Greater likelihood of experiencing emotional abuse in stressful home environments
Age Differences: Young Adults Struggled More
- Young Adults (Ages 15-24): This group faced the most significant rise in mental health disorders. They dealt with school shutdowns, disrupted career opportunities, and social disconnection—all contributing to increased anxiety and depression.
- Children (Ages 5-10): Even young children experienced rising anxiety-related disorders, signaling how deeply the pandemic affected development and emotional well-being. Sudden shifts in routines, such as homebound learning and reduced outdoor activities, contributed to this rise.
Socioeconomic Influence: Wealthier Regions Had Higher Mental Health Burden
Surprisingly, the study found that high-income regions like North America, Western Europe, and Australasia bore the greatest mental health burden (Liu et al., 2024). Experts speculate several possible reasons for this trend
- Academic and career pressures: Higher parental expectations in wealthier societies may have intensified anxiety among children and teens.
- Increased social media exposure: Teens in wealthier regions may have been more exposed to harmful online content, amplifying feelings of isolation.
- Limited outdoor activities: Lockdown measures restricted social and recreational outlets, reducing opportunities for stress relief.
Possible Causes Behind the Rise in Mental Disorders
Several interconnected factors contributed to the pandemic-driven rise in mental illness among young people
Social Isolation and Lack of Peer Interaction
Friends play a critical role in childhood and adolescent development. Lockdowns meant
- Less face-to-face interactions, leading to loneliness
- Increased reliance on social media, which can cause cyberbullying and negative self-comparisons
- No access to group activities, sports, and other outlets that alleviate stress
Disruptions in Education
School closures and online learning led to
- Academic setbacks and stress over disrupted coursework
- Reduced motivation, with many students struggling to focus remotely
- Limited teacher support, making it harder to identify and address mental health struggles
Family Stress and Financial Struggles
Many families experienced job losses, financial pressure, or personal health crises, increasing household stress. In some cases, children in unstable home environments faced higher exposure to conflict, neglect, or emotional abuse.
Uncertainty About the Future
Many teenagers expressed fears about their futures, particularly as college admissions, job markets, and career opportunities became uncertain. This uncertainty magnified existential anxiety, pushing some adolescents into depressive spirals.
Long-Term Mental Health Consequences
The big question remains: Will the pandemic’s impact on teen mental health be temporary or long-term?
Experts warn that early-onset anxiety and depression can evolve into lifelong mental health disorders if left untreated. Some potential long-term effects include
- Increased risk of substance abuse
- Higher likelihood of academic and career difficulties
- Greater vulnerability to chronic mental health conditions in adulthood
Longitudinal studies will be crucial in determining whether children and young adults recover mentally as normalcy returns—or if they continue to struggle in the years to come.
How to Address Teen Mental Health Post-Pandemic
Addressing the crisis requires comprehensive mental health strategies from schools, governments, and families.
Expanding Mental Health Services
Governments and healthcare providers must invest in early intervention programs, making therapy and psychiatric care easily accessible for young people.
Strengthening School-Based Mental Health Support
Schools should implement
- Counseling services for students struggling mentally
- Mindfulness and stress-reduction programs
- Mental health education integrated into school curricula
Encouraging Open Conversations About Mental Health
Reducing the stigma of mental illness is crucial. Families, schools, and communities must foster open discussions about emotional well-being.
Supporting Parents and Educators
Caregivers and educators should receive training to recognize early mental health warning signs in children and teens—and provide appropriate support when needed.
Monitoring Mental Health Trends Beyond the Pandemic
More research and data on post-pandemic mental health recovery among youth are vital. This will help tailor future mental health policies and ensure targeted interventions.
Citations
- Liu, Y., Ren, Y., Liu, C., Chen, X., Li, D., Peng, J., Tan, L., & Ma, Q. (2024). Global burden of mental disorders in children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Psychological Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291725000649
By recognizing the mental health crisis early, societies can implement solutions that help children and teens recover and thrive in the post-pandemic era.
